Program Updates – Please Read

Online search updated

I’m pleased to report that the online search for technical counselors and flight advisors have been completely overhauled and upgraded. The new search gives the builder an opportunity to search based on the following criteria:

• Geographic search based on zip/postal code
• State
• Make/model
• Skill

A big change to the search is the option to find technical counselors and flight advisors by make/model. We believe this new feature will be the most popular with builders. As a Sonex builder myself, I prefer to find a technical counselor in my area with firsthand knowledge of Sonex aircraft. If I strike out on that search, then general sheet metal experience would be my next choice.

If you do some searches and find that your make/model information is not up to date, e-mail us at safetyprograms@eaa.org and we will e-mail you an update sheet. The search is only as good as the data, so please make sure your info is up to date.

Joe Norris gets his AB-DAR back

With Joe Norris returning to EAA staff as flight training manager, he decided to renew his amateur-built designated airworthiness representative (AB-DAR) authorization. He has just recently completed the required training and is now once again an AB-DAR. Joe has been good enough to agree to start writing a “Tales From the DAR Side” column to share with you his real-world experiences that come from being a DAR inspecting our members’ homebuilt projects. A big thanks to Joe for agreeing to contribute to Safety Wire each quarter.

AirVenture Oshkosh workshop volunteers needed

If you are coming to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this year, please consider volunteering in the workshop area. During the week of convention, we provide introductory training on building an aircraft to thousands of people. Introducing aircraft building to these newbies is crucially important to the homebuilt movement and we can’t do it without you! Please fill out the form at EAA.org/AVWorkshop if you want to volunteer.

Aircraft builder John Egan joins EAA staff as chapter manager

John Egan, EAA 336835, is now on the EAA staff as chapter manager. John is a sport pilot, avid homebuilder, and member of Chapter 444. He has a Pietenpol Air Camper that is just about done. The workmanship is excellent. In fact, it was on display in the Homebuilders Hangar at AirVenture 2015. He is also building a scratchbuilt Super Cub knockoff. John has contributed several “Hints for Homebuilders” that have been published in Sport Aviation over the years. His background is as a senior project engineer, so this will be a case of him turning his hobby into his career. Although John’s focus will be on chapters, his homebuilding knowledge will be a plus to the organization.

I hope to see you at AirVenture. Don’t forget that the annual technical counselor and flight advisor breakfast is once again scheduled for Thursday morning at the Nature Center.